Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Who Said? Boris Said Just A Little Too Much

When the NASCAR road course races come around, there is pressure on some drivers to get as much exposure as possible. The road course "ringers" sometimes have a tough time in the sport, and over the weekend in Mexico Boris Said had trouble with a Nationwide Series regular.

Marcos Ambrose has been racing hard in the Nationwide Series, and proven himself to be a fan favorite. He came from the back of the pack twice in the Mexico City event and had a car he thought could win. On the way back to the front, he tangled with Said and ended his day.

Host Ryan Burr brought Said and Ambrose together on Tuesday's NASCAR Now for what was billed as a discussion. It turned-out to be a personality profile of two very different drivers at two very different points in their respective careers.

Ambrose was apologetic, and tried to soften the tone by showing-up attired in a "Said Head." Unfortunately, Boris was having none of it. This sports car veteran turned occasional NASCAR racer had only one thing on his mind and that was whining.

A veteran NASCAR PR person might have helped Said to understand that there is a point where you stop talking and let the public be the judge of the situation. Even though Burr and Said are both members of the NASCAR Now team, Burr let Said complain to the point of no return. Said came off in a bad light, and Ambrose emerged as a stand-up guy.

The downside of this interview is that Said will eventually return as a commentator to NASCAR Now. Viewers will now be able to remember this interview as a glimpse of a very different side of Said. He was already on thin ice for speaking to issues connected to Roush Fenway Racing without disclosing his relationship to that company. Only substitute host Marty Reid made this information public before allowing Said to comment. Said's next NASCAR Now appearance may be viewed in a much different light.

Andy Petree was along to speak candidly about the fact that Ambrose had no agenda in wrecking Said. He put Said's antics in perspective, and talked about the fact that Ambrose had a car that could possibly win the race. He never mentioned Said as being in that same situation.

It was Petree that continued on the show to address the recent Nationwide Series race in Mexico City. With lower attendance and high costs for the teams, Petree said very clearly that he thought NASCAR should move this race to a domestic road course venue. This is a strong call for NASCAR to reward a US track with another race in an environment where available NASCAR race dates are a rarity.

Petree continues to have a great year on TV, especially in this new NASCAR Now setting with all three of the show hosts. It seems that the addition of Dale Jarrett to the ESPN team may have jump-started Petree's enthusiasm. Hopefully, ESPN will continue to make good use of his outspoken and experienced viewpoints throughout the season.

NASCAR Now stepped a bit deeper into the reality of the sport with some limited regional racing highlights and results. As the regional tracks begin to understand that this TV series may be interested in highlights, there is no doubt the show will begin to be flooded with footage from the various regional series.

With the Internet a viable way to send video, perhaps NASCAR Now will enlist the NASCAR fans to help spread the national TV coverage of the sport by sending footage. No doubt they will instantly find a lot of volunteers.

The Daly Planet welcomes comments from readers. Simply click on the COMMENTS button below and follow the easy directions. The rules for posting are on the right side of the main page. Thanks for taking the time to stop by.

Boris needs to lighten up. Ambrose wanted to have fun with it. Burr did a very good job to keep the interview moving, he gave Boris chances to accept the apology but Said wouldnt listen. It was entertaining I will say that!

funny how people forget things! I remember a few years back in a truck race at kentucky. boris said filled in for rick crawford after a qualifying accident sent him to the hospital and took out half the field in the race. if my memory serves me correctly, boris was there for SPEED Channel to broadcast and after taking out the field went back to the TV booth to finish working in the booth. I bet a few truck drivers were not too happy with him that day!!!!

Marcus you tried, too bad Boris is being a jerk about the whole thing. Wow and people thought Jeff Gordon was a whiner. I understand that the outcome cost him money and possibly future sponsership but those are the risks in this sport. Marcus got punted in Montreal, and that was an obvious punt, and you didn't hear him whining. I was having problems with Boris' credibility and his behavior today pushed it over the edge. It would be a good idea for ESPN to stay away for Boris for a while, like months, and let this blow over. If they intend to use Boris again as an analyist they need to lose all this footage including his behavior at the track and not bring up the issue before the next NW road race. I know a lot of people turn off Ray E but I for one will FF anything Boris says from now on. I wonder if AB would have let him hang himself like that?

I lost a ton of respect for Boris Said after watching that show this afternoon. You could tell Ambrose was sincere and you could clearly see his body language and facial expression change after Boris' rant. Boris was worse than my 2 year old daughter on their tonight.

I might have just become a Marcos fan after the way he handled this situation and the way he handled the Robby Gordon thing last summer.

I love the fact he told Boris he might not want to mess with him.

I could care less is Boris ever is in another Nascar race. I used to like him...he can go off to some road course in Romania somewhere now for all I care.

JD,Thanks for the heads up. I don't normally watch this show but set up to record the replay because Ambrose is my favorite Nascar driver. I had also been a big fan of Boris, but that might be changing based on what I see.

As mentioned by others, Robby Gordon was able to use the media to "make up" with Ambrose after punting him in Montreal and didn't suffer too much fan wrath. So Ambrose comes at this with the same approach and it sounds like Boris couldn't roll with it.

I think this will make it problematic for Boris as a commentator. EPSN may now have two lame ducks on their hands, Said and Evernham.

Didn't they say Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s nephew (Kerry's son) was in that race before they mentioned Austin Dillon? Having both of them in the race is probably why they showed that video and no other, so they could reference Dale and Richard.

I have always liked Boris Said because he was a little different than many of the racers. I bought that horrible No Fear/Sobe drink to support him. I'm sorry to say that tonight changed my opinion of him, maybe for good.

Obviously Marcos expected the same type of atmosphere here as he had with Robby Gordon when Robby apologized to him. I loved the Boris wig Marcos wore, and at that point we thought we'd be seeing a nice moment with the apology and Boris accepting it. Boris's continued petty reaction was difficult to watch. He acted like he's the only driver who ever got punted or has financial struggles.

I was glad to see that Marcos then took off the wig, got serious and basically said Boris wasn't going to ruin his day. He came across as a good guy but not a pushover, and I think he's going to win fans while Boris will lose them.

I think Ryan Burr was just as surprised by Boris' comments as the rest of us, but I'm not sure it's his job to sugarcoat the comments to protect Boris or try to steer Boris back on a track that Boris didn't want to be on. Ryan remained neutral, which was the thing to do.

Boris has been on TV regularly for the past year and a half. He knows the impact of his words. Remember he said he's madder today than he was Sunday? That was his hint not to go on TV, but he didn't follow it.

I enjoyed the show, especially the changing attitude of Ambrose from joking around to wishing he could get his hands on Boris.

Andy Petree is quickly becoming the most important NASCAR intellectual (as opposed to "personality")on TV today. I certainly hope that he doesn't tire of the TV thing, because we need him as one of the "faces" of NASCAR.

I was very disappointed with Boris when he spouted off by saying that Marcos better watch out because he'll spin him out in a future race and he better apologize to Marcos's team beforehand. Then you see the ESPN crew showing Boris talking to Marcos's crew chief. Why did they do that it is just encouraging Boris. I also lost a lot of respect for Boris on Sunday. I have tivo'd NN for later since I missed the early broadcast.

I think 'whining' is the perfect word JD. At some point it just gets tiring listening to Boris use his ESPN platform to do nothing promote his own agendas by presenting inaccurate commentary that is always skewed to support his own cause.

Qualifying rainouts forced Boris to miss two Cup races in '07 and all he did was cry about how NASCAR screwed him and somehow 'owed' his part-time team a starting spot over full-time teams when qualifying couldn't be held. He inaccurately cried that the top 35 rule was what kept him out of those races. Well Boris, that's not true. Long story short the full-time teams are the ones that get protected when qualifying is rained out, so I would love to hear what kind of rainout system he would like to see put in place that would give his part-time team that runs 2-6 races a year a starting spot and send a full-time team like the Wood Brothers home instead.

Then there was his less than objective commentary that Jack Roush did nothing wrong in the Las Vegas oil tank lid controversy and that he was sure there was no performance advantage. All along of course it went unmentioned that Boris's No Fear team gets its cars and engines from Roush Racing and there was a clear conflict of interest in his 'reporting'.

And now there's his handling of the Marcos Ambrose incident at Mexico. I understand Boris was upset, I would have been too if I got spun out. But especially after cooling off for 48 hours you'd think he could accept the fact that drivers are humans and sometimes make mistakes, it's not like Boris hasn't made his fair share of them in the past.

I seem to recall Boris making a mistake at Daytona this year and taking out Brian Vickers in their Gatorade Duel. Boris didn't seem too upset about making that mistake that nearly cost Vickers a starting spot in the 500, since he did nothing but laugh it off on NASCAR Now as a simple mistake. Even in that same Mexico race Boris made a mistake and badly cut off Patrick Carpentier, causing a big mess.

I guess Boris is allowed to make a mistake but no one else is. Marcos Ambrose dared make his while running behind Boris... so in Boris's mind it was obviously intentional because everyone's out to get him.

I, for one, personally hope I don't have to see Said on ESPN anymore if this is going to keep up and I'm glad he withdrew from the Talladega Cup race. I'm sure we'd never hear the end of it on ESPN if he was the unfortunate go-or-go-homer that qualifies 9th overall on Saturday during the impound qualifying session and has to load up and go home.

If I were NASCAR I would warn Boris before the Montreal race that if makes any contact with the 59 car he will be suspended from NASCAR for life. That's the only way you're going to get the attention of a part-time driver that's not racing for points and won't care about a short suspension because he's not planning on seeing a race track again until the next time NASCAR returns to a road course anyway.

I have always liked Boris, but after this wk-end, I also have lost a TON of respect for him. Never figured him for classless or that much of a whiner. Marcos continues to impress! Loved his throw down to Boris!

I got home 3 minutes after NN started and saw Boris & Marcos (in the wig). Since I want to see this from the beginning, I DVR'd it for later.From reading the comments, what is wrong with Boris? You would think after 2 days he would be over it. Marcos is such a class act, how can one stay mad at him? I've met him twice and he is just as nice in person as on TV. I am glad the comments have been in favor of Marcos.

I was a little taken aback when ESPN let Boris be shown in such a bad light during the race telecast. I expected them to cut away from it and just let him calm down. I mean they would pester Tony or JR, but to let their guy make an horses connection out of himself for over 10 minutes on national TV.....

With tonight's show I don't see how ESPN can use him again. We all understand that tempers during the race flare, and in the heat of the moment we don't think clearly. But to hold this type of grudge 3 days latter shows someones true character. If nothing else, play nice for the camera, next time your on the track punt his rump into the wall.

John you hit on a great idea. Have you seen CNN's U Report segments? That would be fantastic for NN to introduce something like that into their mid week programs.

Let the thousands of people send in home produced 3 or 4 minute segments about their local track. That would be worth tuning in for without a doubt.

Welp, I just caught the repeat and agree, Boris should not be getting 'angrier'. I never thought his nice guy humor thing was an act (though somebody alluded to it here months ago, I think)

For me, it was a Jump the Shark moment for Boris Said. I will never be able to listen to him in the same light again. He enjoys playing the victim and indeed, acts like he is the only one STRUGGLING in the racing business. What an embarrassing appearance and I no longer will enjoy him on N Now.

I know during the broadcast I could clearly hear Boris saying the "BS" word before the camera went to his tirade to the CC of Ambrose. That's understandable at the heat of things with what, 17 laps to go. But grow up Boris!!

Maybe we are finding out the real reason he does not get more chances for rides.

I kind of wish I had not seen tonights show since I thought I liked Said, but like many, this show changed it all for me.

I do remember him acting like a drama queen when he missed the Daytona qualifying but thought he was truly distressed over that race....goodness...he must be this way all the time.

@nwf--true but with Youtube type sites unfortunately even if ESPN "lost" it, it can still live forever! But I definitely agree that they should give him a bit of a break for a while, if ever.

I like(d) both Boris and Marcos. I'll see how he acts and such but Boris has moved down. He's not on the "list" yet (and no that's not a good list to be on) but I was SO disappointed tonight! Yes I understand what he said on Sunday as everyone has said things in the heat of the moment. No, he didn't have a "cool off" period but he did for today. And he just really blew it!

I really felt for Boris when he was "robbed" in the past, on poles only to be sent home due to rain or barely missing the show, but I just don't know now.

It's one thing to not be "ready" as we've seen guys in the past who have not returned phone calls until they've had a chance to "cool off". However, to continue to go on and on and on is beyond childish! UGH!

I started not to watch NN I DVR'd just because of what Sophia said. I didn't want to see him making a horse's ass out of himself. But I just watched it and now wish I'd stuck with my initial reaction to pass it by. I really used to like him, but not so much now.

Talk about a Jekkyl and Hyde. I thought I saw his hand shaking when he was talking, so maybe too many energy drinks or more than likely, it was his boiling blood.

I used to follow Said and Ambrose with equal interest, but that's over. Said got taken out of a race through someone else's fault. That's too bad, but it's part of racing. As others have pointed out, Said has caused accidents in other races and taken out other drivers. Ambrose said from the beginning that it was his fault, and he apologized. Said's conduct immediately after the incident was understandable in the heat of the moment. His behavior on NN two days later is surprising, and there is no excuse. My respect and admiration for Ambrose has increased, and my opinion of Said has dropped sharply. For the damage to his car and loss of prize money, Said can blame Ambrose. For the loss of respect and regard of the fans, he has only himself to blame. In a sport where sponsor dollars are essential to compete, Said has done himself no favors. If you were a sponsor choosing between Ambrose and Said, who would you prefer to have represent your company? And as a sometime ESPN commentator, Said has done even more damage to a reputation that already had questions. His credibility will now be near zero.

Hi allI'm an Australian fan of Marcos, and I have only just started watching Nascar since his move to the USA. Marcos was a class act in Australia, and he left the sport as a true champion. I am glad to see he is doing well in the U.S and that he has a few fans over there too. In regards to Boris - I am amazed! Are all Nascar drivers as insane as he is? Marcos admitted fault - get over it Boris. By the way - if Boris does try and play dirty - let me assure you Marcos can handle himself on the track - Be careful Boris!

After the show, I think it is crystal clear that Boris' contract on TV be cancelled. For someone who races so rarely, to have such a 'hissy fit' both on Sunday during the race, after the race and now on TV is really bad form. As has been said here, Marcos is a class act and I will be watching his career as he moves through the season. It is obvious that Boris has 'had his day' and is now ready to try his hand at something else totally unrelated to racing and TV. There is too much going on in the sport to waste time on a person like Boris. 'Nough SAID'!Thanks as always John!

Someone from Espn should have said....Boris Buddy, lighten up, you were having a "not so good" day before the incident...... and that surely didn't cost you a win....I was appalled last night at his drama... its time Boris GOT OVER IT.... Loved the class with with Ambrose handled it... at the end he did imply he wouldn't back down from Boris...

Yes, we want more than the standard vanilla interviews with drivers. Passion and personality are what we want to see.

However, when a driver threatens to purposefully wreck someone the driver that wrekced them in the next race they'll be in, and then 3 days later refuse to accept the honest apology in the manner and spirit it was given, then that driver's gone too far. That's not passion or personality, that's being childish and immature.

There are ways to handle yourself on camera where you can show your personality without resorting to a temper tantrum. It's one thing had Marcos tried to apologise directly after the incident. But both drivers have had a chance to cool down and think about things. If Boris was still so angry, he could have refused the interview, or even said to Marcos, "I appreciate you apologising, but I will need some time before I can accept it." Marcos would have gotten to apologise, Boris would have heard it, and both drivers would have come out better for it.

As it is, Marcos has been on both ends of road racing incidents, and the manner in which he gives and takes shows what a class act he is. I am an even bigger Marcos Ambrose fan than I was when the Mexico City race started. (And the only reason I was watching the race to begin with was Marcos.)

I can't say the same for Boris. I guess I'll stick to AMP and Monster, thank you very much.

I, too, was a Boris fan before this week. I was having some doubts about him after he ranted on-and-on on Sunday. After the NN show, I am no longer a fan. I know he was upset and he had a right to make his point. But he didn't have to whine like a baby. He needs to look back at his career to see the times he spun someone.

Ambrose showed so much class after the Robby Gordon deal last year. And he showed a lot of class with Boris. So now I am a Marcos fan.

I thought Boris did a very concise and cogent explanation of why he was unwilling to except the trite, formulaic apology from Ambrose. "Garsh, I'm sorry. It was just one of them accidents."

Yeah, well maybe for the first few milliseconds when you overcooked your braking, Sparky, but after that you made a conscious decision that you weren't going to be the one who came out on the bad end of the collision. You could've locked 'em down and accepted the flat-spotting of your tires for your error in judgement, but instead you elected to spin Boris out of your way and carry on.

As you can perhaps tell by this point, no, I don't think Boris was whining and, no, I don't think he "said too much".

I share the reaction of most of the others on this blog. Yes, I like more than the plain vanilla response from drivers, but the way Boris went about it was, in my opinion, a bit childish and disrespectful. Marcos moved up on my list a bit after that interview.

Also to Anon 5:27 AM, not all drivers respond like that after a couple of days to cool off. I believe that's why the reactions on this board are the way they are.

I didn't see the show so I can't comment on Boris in that since, I do think he's been screwed a few times as of late and just boiled over. Him not making the field at Daytona because of rain is crap IMO. I think NASCAR's rule of top 35 is BS. Why is it fair that a car who might have a popular driver or have a big name sponsor be able to make the race if they didn't bring their best to qualify? It just limits small teams and part time racers from competing. I used to be an avid race fan but I've pretty much stopped watching because of the corporate sponsor BS thats gone on over the past 3-5 years. I personally hope NASCAR crashs and burns in the TV ratings so that maybe one day it'll be like it used to be in the 90's and early 00's.

Boris was correct for tearing the nice guy mask off Ambrose and should have stated that he now understood and supported Robby's retailation last year at Montreal.

To All NASCAR TV Commentators and writers: LOSE THE TERM "ROAD COURSE RINGERS". What an insult! Same for "OVAL COURSE RINGERS'. Look who won the Mexico City race. Kyle, Carl, Robby, Kurt, Tony etc. don't give a damn what kind of circuit they race on cause they always race to win!

AMBROSE has done all he can to move on from the incident.Boris wants to continue war.Good luck with that.

Its clear to many that Ambrose will be around for a long time, and one childish, ranting racer isn't gonna stop him or change a thing. Boris will be a distant memory when Ambrose is winning races at the top level.

Keep it up Ambrose, don't let this rubbish ruin what this 2nd place has done for you and your team. There are some very proud fans sitting back here in Oz.

Once again Marcos has shown that he is a class act within racing. I appreciated the spirit in which he framed his apology and I also appreciated the fact that he wasn't about to let Boris push him around. For the latest Marcos news, photos and vidoes, check out the offical Marcos crew on nascar.com's community. http://community.nascar.com/crews/Ambrose_Fans